There is nothing more I have missed these past few weeks than writing. Well, I miss my sons who are growing up and really act as if they no longer want me in their lives. Maybe I was the same way when I was their age. Whatever the situation, it is bittersweet. I miss having conversation with anyone in my house. I think my son Mike is the one who talks the most with me… and that’s because he doesn’t have much choice at times. He can’t just hop in his car and take off to escape the wrath of the “older generation”-parents. I suppose that is why I do so much apart from my family because I need conversation and the exchange of ideas with people.
 I am looking forward to vacation very soon, so I can finish a few projects. This weekend was the Rededication of Rudy Vallée Square in Westbrook, Maine which took a great deal of preparation. My main project was to decorate the stage which was much fun. We had a fabulous exhibit where a reception was held for Eleanor Vallée, Rudy’s wife for forty years, and Rudy’s nephew, Bill Vallée. Prior to the reception, downtown at Main and Bridge, Eleanor unveiled a bronze bust of Rudy which she had commissioned a Maine sculptor to create. The event drew a good sized crowd, much more than seventy five which the Portland Press Herald had reported. The reception was very busy with a steady stream of people, perhaps one hundred and fifty visitors that day. It was a grand day.
 The same day, I interviewed someone who had witnessed the Redbank Plane crash as a kid. Then I came home to ‘crash’ on my sofa. I was exhausted. When I woke up, I picked raspberries in my yard. Later I visited with my artist friend, Virginia Fleck who was on vacation from Austin TX. Her website is www.virginiafleck.com which will allow you to view her incredible work. After this very long day, I felt bad I had missed so much time from home, so I vowed to stay home all day on Sunday.
Sunday arrived. I made twenty jars of raspberry jam, got Mike out of bed and showered, went grocery shopping, had visits from both sisters and families, and even tried my onion blossom maker without much success. I never got my car cleaned out, but I guess I have all week. I know the day is only twenty four hours long and sure wish it was a little longer.
 Tomorrow it is off to see my trainer which I have been so enthusiastic about for the past eight weeks, three times per week. I feel stronger and I have lost some weight.
The best part is that I feel like I have my life back. I run up and down stairs and have more energy. Hopefully after I achieve some goals, I may write more about the whole process. I have learned so much from my trainer. I apologize for not writing sooner because I know some of you were concerned. Thank you all for staying tuned. I have some good stories in the works. The next one will be about the Hatch Family of Saco Street, Westbrook, Maine.